Steering Column: Description and Operation

COLUMN DESCRIPTION





This vehicle is equipped with a tilt type steering column. The steering column is designed to be serviced only as complete assembly if an internal component is found to be defective. The shaft, bearings and upper coupling are all serviced with the column.

The replaceable components on the steering column assembly are:
^ The key cylinder
^ The ignition switch
^ The multi-function switch
^ The clock spring
^ The trim shrouds
^ The steering wheel
^ The driver airbag module

These components can be serviced without removal of the steering column from the vehicle.

OPERATION
Turning of the steering wheel is transferred through the steering column, upper and lower couplings to the power steering gear. The gear then moves the steering knuckles, steering the vehicle.

The steering column has an anti-theft provision. With the key/lock cylinder turned to the LOCK position, and the key removed, the steering shaft (and steering wheel) cannot be turned more than 180 degrees before locking.

WARNING: SAFETY GOGGLES SHOULD BE WORN AT ALL TIMES WHEN WORKING ON STEERING COLUMNS.

WARNING: BEFORE BEGINNING ANY SERVICE PROCEDURES THAT INVOLVES REMOVING THE AIR BAG. REMOVE AND ISOLATE THE NEGATIVE (-) BATTERY CABLE (GROUND) FROM THE VEHICLE BATTERY. THIS IS THE ONLY SURE WAY TO DISABLE THE AIR BAG SYSTEM. FAILURE TO DO THIS COULD RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL INJURY.

WARNING: THE AIR BAG SYSTEM IS A SENSITIVE, COMPLEX ELECTRO-MECHANICAL UNIT. BEFORE ATTEMPTING TO DIAGNOSE, REMOVE OR INSTALL THE AIR BAG SYSTEM COMPONENTS YOU MUST FIRST DISCONNECT AND ISOLATE THE BATTERY NEGATIVE (GROUND) CABLE. FAILURE TO DO SO COULD RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL DEPLOYMENT OF THE AIR BAG AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL INJURY. THE FASTENERS, SCREWS, AND BOLTS, ORIGINALLY USED FOR THE AIR BAG COMPONENTS, HAVE SPECIAL COATINGS AND ARE SPECIFICALLY DESIGNED FOR THE AIR BAG SYSTEM. THEY MUST NEVER BE REPLACED WITH ANY SUBSTITUTES. ANYTIME A NEW FASTENER IS NEEDED, REPLACE WITH THE CORRECT FASTENERS PROVIDED IN THE SERVICE PACKAGE OR FASTENERS LISTED IN THE PARTS BOOKS. BEFORE SERVICING A STEERING COLUMN EQUIPPED WITH AN AIRBAG, REFER TO RESTRAINT SYSTEMS.

WARNING: WHEN HANDLING AN UNDEPLOYED AIR BAG MODULE DURING SERVICING OF THE STEERING COLUMN, THE FOLLOWING PRECAUTIONS SHOULD BE OBSERVED:
^ AT NO TIME SHOULD ANY SOURCE OF ELECTRICITY BE PERMITTED NEAR THE INFLATOR ON THE BACK OF THE AIR BAG MODULE.
^ WHEN CARRYING A LIVE MODULE, THE TRIM COVER SHOULD BE POINTED AWAY FROM THE BODY TO MINIMIZE INJURY IF THE MODULE SHOULD ACCIDENTLY DEPLOY.
^ IF THE AIR BAG MODULE IS PLACED ON A BENCH OR OTHER SURFACE, THE PLASTIC COVER SHOULD BE FACE-UP TO MINIMIZE MOVEMENT, IN CASE OF ACCIDENTAL DEPLOYMENT.

CAUTION: Disconnect negative (ground) cable from the battery before servicing any column component.

CAUTION: Do not attempt to remove the pivot pins to disassemble the tilting mechanism. Damage will occur.